Blue and white has become one of the most popular colour combinations in history. This classic colour palette originated in Asian ceramics in the 9th century. These ceramics spread across Europe and influenced 16th century Delftware and the Willow pattern created by British manufacturers in the late 18th century. It was also during the 18th century that printed fabrics such as blue and white Toile de Jouy became popular.

The printing of blue and white fabric in the 18th century lead the way for fashion designers using blue and white as a prominent colour combination for years to come. Inspired by this serene colour combination designers such as Christian Dior and Valentino, as well as high street shops such as Dr Martens, have echoed 9th century Asian blue and white wares over and over again in their designs.

This is the end of the Blue and White: Fashion edition. Please come and see a selection of blue and white ceramics that inspired many of these designers in our Blue and White: British Printed Ceramics display, Gallery 146 on the 6th floor.

Also keep an eye out for more Blue and White art and design on the way soon!

3 thoughts on “Blue and White: Fashion”

I’d like to respectfully suggest that your opening statement, that the color combination of blue and white first appeared in 9th century ceramics, is a bit misleading and implies that no previous culture combined those colors in textiles or other media.

Blue and White: British Printed Ceramics

On January 31 2015 we are opening a display about blue-and-white printed ceramics. A strongly British phenomenon originating in the 18th century, this display features the wide variety of designs and decoration that continue to appeal to potters, artists and consumers today.